Car company set for a fresh start

A car company based in north Norfolk has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes - though it will be recreated under a new name and on a smaller scale.

In news which will delight former customers of Coredale, a new business called Cromer Car Centre has opened in Mundesley and will soon move to purpose-built premises in Cromer.

Coredale was forced to close at the end of March after receivers tried for two months to save the business. It had been operating at various locations in north Norfolk since being founded in 1973.

The business, which had branches in Cromer, Fakenham and Carrow Road, had suffered "significant losses" caused by a downturn.

The new business is currently made up of three former Coredale employees, directors Robert Richmond and Clive Gentle and mechanic Paul Weston. The trio had more than 40 years of experience with Coredale between them.

Once Cromer Car Centre moves from the old Volvo garage site at Mundesley it should expand to nine or 10 staff.

Coredale's old phone number and database have been bought and the new location will be just a stone's throw from the old site on Middlebrook Way.

"We have had a very positive reaction, people are very pleased," said Mr Richmond.

"When Coredale closed, a lot of people were coming up to me in the street in Cromer and saying 'where are we going to go now?'"

Although the business will be around half the size of the former Cromer operation, Mr Gentle said the approach of staff would retain the values of Coredale.

"It's about bringing the good quality traditional service back to the customer and looking after them properly," he said. The business will be a main franchise dealer for Perodua and another as yet unconfirmed former Coredale franchise.

They will also deal in used cars, offer MoT testing and servicing - in fact everything offered by Coredale except a bodyshop. The move to Cromer is expected to take place at the turn of the year.

The business can be contacted on 01263 515503.